Difference Between Cheese and Paneer

Cheese and Paneer are two types of food that show some difference between them when it comes to their preparation and nature. Cheese made from the milk of cow by the process of acidification. Bacteria acidify the milk and they play a great role in bringing about the flavor of cheese.

On the other hand, Paneer is the most common form of Indian cheese. It is otherwise called as farmer cheese that does not melt at all. There are different types of Paneer in India. One of them is the Bengal Paneer. It is prepared by beating. There are other types of Paneer in India that are prepared by pressing.

It is interesting to note that the word ‘cheese’ is derived from the Latin ‘caseus’. On the other hand the word paneer is known by the same name even in Pakistan. In West Bengal it is known by the name of ‘Chena’. It is important to know that the Buddhists devour Paneer, since they adhere to vegetarian diet.

Paneer is a very rich source of protein. Apart from India, Paneer is used in Middle Eastern countries and in South Asian countries as well. It should be known that milk is sometimes curdled by the addition of lemonade in the preparation of cheese. As a matter of fact cheese is eaten raw and sometimes cooked in various dishes as well.

On the other hand, paneer is used in the preparation of masala items, and in side dishes to fried food items like the north Indian naan and chapatti. Paneer is sometimes known as cottage cheese. Cheese has emulsifiers, whereas Paneer has no emulsifiers. Cheese is normally made from crude milk fats. On the other hand, paneer is the domestic form of cheese. These are the differences between cheese and paneer.